Rakowicki Cemetery.
Rakowicki Cemetery, originated in 1802 r., which today is a closed cemetery, it is the largest and most elite necropolis of Krakow. XIX- and 20th-century tombstones, often carved with the famous chisel of Xawery Dunikowski, Antoni Madeyski or other excellent sculptors, it is impossible to count here. Famous people and people of great merit for the city and the country rest here next to lesser-known citizens. To appreciate the importance of the accommodation in Rakowicki, it is enough to mention such names, how: Matejko, Dietl, The Kossaks, Modjeska, Rydel, Michałowski, Rodakowski. It is worth visiting this place both because of the ideal conditions for contemplation and for the specific atmosphere in this place. The charm of this dignified cemetery lies in its "big city" – the avenues are wide, and the monuments erected on a grand scale sometimes refer to ancient designs or even to ancient Egyptian * Tombs, both modest, as well as those with exuberant dimensions and varied architecture, they say a lot about the title, the profession or the prestige of their owners. With all the adornments of the Rakowicki cemetery tombs, the central avenue starting just behind the chapel is by no means the most representative trail of the necropolis. However, it can lead to several important places. It is impossible not to notice the classicist tomb of Jan Matejko in the middle, and behind him the monument of Ignacy Daszyński. A multi-level tomb with rows of the same looks also intriguing, semicircular marble plaques, standing on the same main avenue, on the left side with his back facing the chapel. It is a collective grave of several dozen unrelated people, who were buried together, cheaper than normal cost. Probably everyone, who remembers the years of "success propaganda", the place that is different from the dignified part of the cemetery will be interesting, moreover, not very impressive, called the avenue of the meritorious, which is to the right of – main entrance (you have to go ok. 4 at least along the path by the wall or from the main alley, turn into a side alley next to the black Fleischmans tomb with a statue of a standing angel). Around the concrete square there are graves of people of merit for the People's Republic of Poland: PPR activists, PZPR, steel plant directors, militiamen, various types of activists, etc.. The ashes of those who deserved the culture are also buried here – artist Jonasz Stern, writer Jerzy Broszkiewicz, the poet Tadeusz Śliwiak, music by Artur Malawski and other recognized scientists and artists.
Jonah Stern (1904-1988) – painter, plastic, asp teacher, co-founder of the Krakow Group, he was also active as a set designer and actor, working with the Cricot Theater. He was an active political activist – before the war, he was active in the PPS-Lewica, after the war in the PPR and PZPR – he also deserved as a teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. Considered one of the greatest Polish artists, abroad, he exhibited his works in Moscow, New York, Venice, London, Such, Copenhagen and Prague. If you are interested, please visit the New Building of the National Museum, Stern's fate, stormy and at times dramatic, his Jewish origin and great creative potential shaped one of the most interesting artistic personalities of modern Krakow.
Krakow's medieval cemeteries, buzzing with bustle from morning to evening, gave little chance to focus, prayer and reflection. They were not as glamorous as today, but their function was more complex and more complex than it is today – omen name – down to earth. Because they were much closer to the city center, they were used pragmatically: for social gatherings after, before and during the mass, to do business, for preaching tapeworms, to hours-long mysteries, often ending in acts of collective hysteria or hallucinations. Taking advantage of the large attendance of the St. Mary's cemetery, situated right next to the church, under its wall, sinners and scandals in stocks were exposed to the public.